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Have the photographic time of your life w/ true inspirations like 3-time Myanmar Travel Photographer of the Year, K.K. Winn, Nat Geo's David Lazar

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Vietnam Photo Tour

Luminous Vietnam Photo Tour Workshop

My Luminous Vietnam Journey was far and away the best photo tour I have ever been on. It was more than a photo tour; it was an investment in myself as a keen photographer, and gave me the opportunity to engage with ordinary Vietnamese people and some extraordinary professional photographers in David and Phuoc. – Lindsay Earle, Zimbabwe

Welcome to our Luminous Vietnam travel photography tour spectacular! Vietnam is definitely on the ‘can’t miss’ list for anyone with a camera interested in the many splendors of travel photography. One of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant cultures offers spectacular scenery, stunning historical sites w/ marvelously rich interiors, 54 colorful ethnic groups, and a friendly populace that rank it among the great photographic destinations of the world.

This photo tour workshop is led by National Geographic contributor and multi-major award winning photographer David Lazar, along with Vietnam’s premier all around shooter, the irrepressible Nguyen Vu Phuoc! Teamed with our logistics master Diep, David and Phuoc are constantly working to have you in the right location with the best light for any particular photo shoot.

There’s always a mix of free & street shooting, portraits & people, landscapes & landmarks, and providential surprises! There are also a number of arranged shoots in stunning settings, both with professional and impromptu local models. You’ll get the chance to photograph in places both on & off the beaten path, with unparalleled inside access and an extraordinary number of impact image making opportunities.

The itinerary is has been carefully selected and purposely scheduled to run in mid to late June, offering the best photographic conditions of north and central Vietnam within a two week period. The country has many micro-climates, and there is no “perfect” time. June is hot and there might be occasional and welcome tropical showers. They are brief and often provide dramatic light and color to the skies. Moreover, June provides the best visibility of the year for Ha Long Bay, and is also rice planting season. By the time we arrive many mountain rice terraces will be carpeted in ethereal green, while others will have farmers and their buffalo working them. (Please don’t go on an April or May photo tour; you’ll be disappointed).

“We feel very privileged to have participated in “Luminous Vietnam”, and would highly recommend it to anyone who is a keen photographer, especially those wanting to take some distinctly different images to give an edge to their portfolio. Our photographers and the itinerary provided so many opportunities for fantastic and unique photos which would be impossible to get on our own. – Lyn Vernon, Australia

The atmosphere of the tour reflects the nature of its leaders – fun and relaxed, yet keenly focused when it counts most. For those new to the photo tour concept, it should be noted that instruction is informal, voluntary, and takes place largely in the field. Luminous Vietnam has been designed with every skill level in mind, novice to advanced. Novices will never feel left behind, and advanced shooters will never be held back. For those interested, Photoshop and Lightroom tips and tricks, as well as image review, normally take place at the hotel as time allows.

We would be remiss not to point out that David Lazar and Nguyen Vu Phuoc are more than just outstanding photographers. They are also outstanding gentleman who sincerely care that you become a better photographer. Rest assured that they honor the First Commandment of Photo Tour Leadership – Thou shalt not put thine own photography ahead of esteemed guests’! There is no “leader hogging” here, as is all too common on other tours. No sir.

The combination of David’s relaxed approach and attention to detail, along with the sheer zest and playful genius of Phuoc, makes for a very special Vietnam photo tour adventure indeed. *Note that Phuoc joins the tour w/ minimum of 7 participants, which is less than the tour average. Photography Life magazine just recently published an outstanding interview and series of Vietnam images from Phuoc available here. Enjoy!

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Pricing and Details

Dates – June 16 – 30, 2019 (Space Available)
Photographers – David Lazar & Nguyen Vu Phuoc*
Tour Price – $6750 USD (only $450 per day!)
Single Supplement – $980 USD
Minimum Deposit – $1500 USD

Locations – Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Khanh Hoa, Phan Rang, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Bac Ha

Hotels – 4 star, best available in remote locations

Tour Type – Small group photo tour workshop, 5 person minimum, 10 person maximum

Physical Difficulty – Light to Moderate. There are no long treks, and we provide unlimited bottled water

Transportation – 3 internal flights, air conditioned vans and mini-buses w/ plenty of space, 4-star luxury cruise boat

What’s Included?

Photo Tour Leaders

Photographer-David-LazarDavid Lazar is a renowned travel photographer & contributor to myriad publications, including National Geographic. Practical Photography has called David “…one of the world’s foremost travel photographers”, while Photo Review Australia said his “…travel photography is among the best we’ve ever seen.” See David’s Gallery.

PhuocNguyen Vu Phuoc is regarded by many to be Vietnam’s top all around photographer. From documentary to photojouranlism & simply stunning travel work, the irrepressible Phuoc is a true joy and inspiration to travel & shoot with. The amount of inside access he avails all LJ participants is astonishing. For select images, click on Phuoc’s Gallery.

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Highlights

lotus-flower-small Seemingly endless Rice Terraces & colorful Tribal Peoples of the Northern Mountains

lotus-flower-small  Professional Ao Dai Model Shoot at Hanoi’s  ancient Temple of Literature

lotus-flower-small  The Imperial City of Hue w/ Professional  Model Shoot in ancient exotic settings

lotus-flower-small  Fabled Ha Long Bay 4-star two day Photo  Cruise, Floating Fishing Village & Caves

lotus-flower-small  The absolutely stunning Salt Ponds and  Workers of Khanh Hoa Province

lotus-flower-small  Exotic & Bustling old Hanoi Street Markets

lotus-flower-small    The warm & welcoming people of Vietnam

lotus-flower-small  The wonderfully photogenic UNESCO World  Heritage site of Old Hoi An

lotus-flower-small  The ancient Dynasty of Champa – vanishing  Cham Culture & vast Sand Dune Sunset



Itinerary Brief

Vietnam Photo Tour Workshop


Day 1 – Welcome to Vietnam! – Old Quarter, Hanoi
While some of you will arrive a day early to get acclimated, those arriving today should try to do so by 1 pm. There is an orientation & slideshow scheduled for 3 pm in the hotel “Movie Room”. After the slideshow will be your first street shoot w/ David & Phuoc in the colorful old quarter. A sumptuous Vietnamese Welcome Dinner follows.
Day 2 – Ao Dai Elegance & Emerald Waters – Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
Gorgeous models clad in the quintessentially Vietnamese Ao Dai meet you at the Temple of Literature. With its manicured gardens and ancient architecture, it’s a perfect setting to photograph the grace and elegance of the ladies in their Ao Dai. Then to legendary Ha Long Bay sailing in picturesque luxury this afternoon amidst 3,000 karst limestone rock formations jutting from the emerald waters.
 
Day 3 – Sunrise Bay to Imperial Hue – Ha Long Bay – Hue
Awake in your 4-star stateroom for sunrise on Ha Long Bay if your wish, or sleep in for a bit. On the shooting schedule this morning are fishermen casting nets from small boats, an interesting island cave, and of course the amazing, ever changing bay-scapes. Enjoy lunch served on deck on the return to the wharf. Then back to Hanoi for the flight to Hue.
Day 4 – The Fishermen & the Emperor – Imperial Hue
At sunrise photograph fishermen casting their colorful nets, etc. After breakfast, photograph the making of colorful incense sticks, and then step into history at the gloriously exotic grounds of Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb. Free shoot as you wish, and/or stick with the team as they work the scene for images. Thien Mu Pagoda and monastery is next up, followed by afternoon & sunset at Tam Giang Lagoon and its surrounding villages.
 
Day 5 – Hue Away and a Bridge of Lanterns – Hue – Hoi An
Early morning finds us at the glorious grounds of the Imperial City w/ professional Ao Dai models. The approach here on this incredible “set” is as if you’re on assignment for a travel or fashion magazine. Once the shoot is over there will be time to explore and free shoot more of the ancient city. After lunch take the spectacular coastal drive to Hoi An for an afternoon in the old city around the ancient Japanese Bridge.
Day 6 – Fishing Village @ Dawn to Old Town – Hoi An
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of old Hoi An was once the busiest port on the South China Sea,ruled by the Champa Dynasty for 14 centuries. Today’s shooting begins at a local fishing village, where nets wriggling in silvery fish glinting in the morning sun are raised from stilt platforms. Catch the colorful morning market on return. Afternoon gallery & shoot w/ Rehahn in a small farming village.
 
Vietnam Day 7 and 8
Day 7 – High Skies and Low Roads – Hoi An – Khanh Hoa
Sunrise shoot and a short drive to Da Nang and flight to the seaside resort of Nha Trang for lunch. Scenic drive north from Nha Trang to Doc Let. Free time this afternoon to explore the beach or catch up on your images. Dinner and to bed early to rest up for one of the most exciting shoots of the trip tomorrow.
Day 8 – Salt of the Earth, Sea of Sand – Khanh Hoa & Phan Rang
The salt ponds of Khanh Hoa are perhaps the most photogenic anywhere on earth. The scene of workers, salt and reflective pools is like a tropical arctic, and at its best borders on the surreal. Afternoon will find you at another great scene to the south, the vast sand dunes of the now vanishing Cham people.
 
Vietnam Day 9 and 10
Day 9 – Blue Eyes, Blue Skies – Phan Rang – Hanoi
Spend the morning in Phan Rang on people and culture photography, highlighted by fishing net weaving in a nearby village and a visit with a wonderful Cham family whose daughters have rare blue eyes. Great opportunity here to learn more on how David works his portrait magic in different types of light. Later take an afternoon flight back to Hanoi for some street shooting in the old quarter, time permitting.
Day 10 – High Road to Mu Cang Chai – Hanoi – Mu Cang Chai
After a good night’s sleep & breakfast in our lux Old Hanoi hotel & spa, it’s time to hit the stunningly beautiful mountains of the north with their seemingly endless rice terraces and array of colorful tribal peoples still living in the traditional ways. They include Red Dzou, Nung, Tay, Flower Hmong, etc. This afternoon photograph one of the two most spectacular terrace valleys of legendary Mu Cang Chai, and their inhabitants.
 
Vietnam Day 11 and 12
Day 11 – Rice-Scapes & Tribes – Mu Cang Chai – Lu Village – Sapa
This morning – not too early because of the mountains – photograph the second awesome rice terrace locations with Black Hmong and/or Red Dzao to add interest and scale. The scenic mountain road to Sapa also offers some excellent landscape opportunities plus exclusive (no tourists) visits to Lu and Red Hmong tribes.
Day 12 – Mountain Heart – Sapa – Rice Terraces & Villages
Sapa is the heart of the northern mountains, and it’s easy to see why with such a stunning location. Even though its growth over the years is largely due to tourism, we still love the place as a gorgeous respite with great food and a lot of charm. Plus it’s surrounded by myriad rice terraces and tribal villages!
 
Vietnam Day 13 and 14
Day 13 – Photographers’ Choice – Sapa – Bac Ha
It will be Photographers’ Choice for the first shoot today – either be on the road to the best least visited market at Cau Cau before dawn, (near Bac Ha), or shoot at rarely photographed Red Dao and Ta Phin villages more locally, heading for Bac Ha late afternoon.
Day 14 – Market Marvel & Hanoi Descent – Bac Ha – Hanoi
Morning shoot at the Vietnam’s most diverse tribal market, followed by the scenic drive back to Hanoi. It will be tough to leave, but we must! Arrive back in Hanoi by mid-afternoon. Free time at our gorgeous old quarter hotel until your Farewell Dinner to remember…
 
Vietnam Day 15
Day15 – But I Don’t Want to Go Yet! – Hanoi – Parts Unknown
We understand completely, we really do. Just a few more days? Yes, you feel great, warm and aglow. But underneath that glow is a tired puppy. Home is calling, and hopefully, some well-deserved rest. There’s a brand new portfolio of great images just waiting to make their world debut! No hurries no worries. We’ll pick you up at the appointed hour, bring you to the airport and bid you a fond farewell. With time to spare.

*Please note the above itinerary is only a brief, subject to change in the daily shooting schedule. A 30+ page detailed schedule and information kit concerning traveling for photography in Vietnam will be sent to all participants approximately 100 days prior to tour start date.

**All photographs are always by Luminous Journeys photographers or participants.

What’s Included in the Price of Your Vietnam Photo Tour?

    Included:

 Photographer fees and top English speaking guide

 All accommodation

 In-country flights, airport & ground transport

 All meals from Day 1 dinner though Day 15 breakfast

 Plenty of bottled water & refresh towels throughout

 All entrance, zone and camera fees

 Local model & village donations

    Excluded:

 International airfare

 Drinks @ lunches & dinners

 Personal purchases

 Trip cancellation or medical insurance

 Medical expenses

 Gratuities for hotel porters, drivers or local guide

 Vietnam visa fee

 End of trip gratuities for photographer tour leaders

Getting Cultural

More Knowledge – Better Pictures

Dressed for Elegance

Dressed for Elegance


The always lovely and elegant áo dài (long garment) is quintessentially Vietnamese, and came to prominence beginning in 1744 as the regal dress of choice styled by Nguyen Lords of Hue.

Basically the áo dài is a silk tunic worn over silk pants. It can be seen in many colors, but white is the original classic and symbol of purity. White is worn by high school girls as a school uniform, most commonly in the south and the central coast region around Hue and Da Nang. The conical hats shown in the photograph on the left at Emperor’s Lake in Hue, are called non la.

The modern, sexier version of the áo dài was redesigned in Saigon in the 1950’s to emphasize the female form, and considered somewhat provocative. “The áo dài covers everything but hides nothing,” said a designer of the time. The garment was very popular and commonly seen on Saigon streets in the 1960’s and 1970’s, but virtually disappeared after the northern communists took power upon the defeat of the Americans. Publicly the new government disapproved over reasons of indecency, but it was really more about the áo dài being such a popular symbol of the South.

The Lost Dynasty of Cham

The Lost Dynasty of Cham


Although unknown to most westerners, the once mighty Champa Kingdom was a dynasty that lasted more than 1500 years, longer than the Roman Empire! The Cham were a largely Hindu culture that controlled most of central Vietnam and parts of present day Cambodia. They even as far as sacking Angkor in 1177, and killing the king. From their capitol port city of what is now the World Heritage site of Hoi An, they dominated the South China Sea trade for more than a millennia. In addition to the sea trade, the Cham maintained a highly sophisticated culture with exceptional artistic expression, particularly in the realms of architecture, pottery, bronze, silver and gold. Cham gold works are considered among the most unique and superbly crafted anywhere on earth.

The reasons for the Champa Dynasty being “lost” to history are largely due to the plights and deeds of Vietnam itself. First by numerous wars over centuries that ended with Emperor Minh Mang’s annexation of the last remaining Cham territory in 1832. Suppression and persecution followed, and then colonization and wars by western powers.

The Nguyen Vu Phuoc photo shows a woman tending a grave in a uniquly Cham gravyard.


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Client Reviews

“I’ve been on quite a number of photo tours all over the world, and Luminous Journeys has been the best –BY FAR. Kyaw Kyaw Winn and the people of Myanmar will always be in my heart.” — Benny Hanigal, Israel ​

“My Luminous Vietnam Journey was far and away the best photo tour I have been on. It was more than a photo tour, it was an investment in myself as a keen photographer..." —— Lindsay Earle, Zimbabwe

“I have to commend Luminous Journeys and David Lazar for putting together what I consider to have been the best photo tour we’ve been on…and we’ve been on quite a few around the world. ..." —— Lee Ann Birkenstock, USA

See More Reviews!


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Luminous Journeys’ Giveaway Prizes

ALL entrants will receive the following:

  • $150 off their first photo tour of 6 days or more
  • David Lazar’s Guide to Capturing Pro Level Travel Portraits
  • The Essential Insider’s Guide to Photo Tour Research
  • LJ’s Quarterly Newsletter with special subscriber only offers
  • Our fabulous Luminous brochure!
    1st Prize Winner will receive:
  • * A 20 x 30 David Lazar print of their choice!
  • * A signed copy of David’s gorgeous coffee table book,
    Myanmar – A Luminous Journey
  • * $300 off their first LJ photo tour of 6 days or more
    2nd Prize Winner will receive:
  • * One 10 x 15 David Lazar prints of their choice
  • * A signed copy of David’s gorgeous coffee table book –
    Myanmar – A Luminous Journey
  • * $250 off their first LJ photo tour of six days or more
    3rd Prize Winner will receive:
  • *One 10 x 15 David Lazar print of their choice
  • *$200 off their first LJ photo tour of six days or more

Giveaway Rules:

1. No purchase necessary

2. Contest is limited to new subscribers only, age 21 or older

3. One entry per person (no alternate email addresses – please be fair to your fellow entrant)

4. Upon entry all entrants will receive an email with links to their free pdf downloads

5. Winners will be selected randomly

6. Winners will be announced April 1, 2019 and notified by email

7. Winners will have 21 days to respond with their mailing address and choice of David Lazar print. Non-respondents will forfeit their print and book. Luminous Journeys covers photo printing and one time delivery costs

8. Books and prints will be mailed to the address supplied by the winners. Once prizes are mailed, winners will receive a postal receipt by email. Please note that Luminous Journeys is not responsible for any prizes lost en route

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All entrants receive $150 off their first photo tour; David Lazar’s Tips on Capturing Pro Level Travel Portraits; LJ’s Insider’s Guide to Photo Tour Research; Our Fabulous Brochure; Quarterly Newsletter w/ Subscriber Only Offers

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Giveaway Prizes

  • 1st Prize Winner will receive:
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